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Traffic Management

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 December 2015

Wednesday, 16 December 2015

Ceisteanna (25)

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

25. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action he has taken to reduce traffic congestion in Dublin city centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44885/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the provision of public transport infrastructure and securing the provision of public transport services in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), which in combination enable it to tackle congestion within available resources.

The current capital investment works being undertaken by the NTA is set out in its Integrated Implementation Plan 2013-2018.  Some of the key projects in that Plan, and which are currently being delivered, include Luas Cross City, the Phoenix park Tunnel, the City Centre Re-signalling project and bus fleet investment to enhance the quality of public transport services.

Additionally, the NTA's Sustainable Transport Measures Grants Programme supports a wide range of projects in the GDA that support the development and implementation of sustainable transport modes such as cycling, walking and public transport. Local authorities are responsible for implementation of the projects in accordance with relevant statutory processes.  In 2015 expenditure under the Programme will amount to c. €27 million.

The Dublin City Centre Transport Study which is being undertaken jointly by the NTA and Dublin City Council (DCC) sets out various proposals to accommodate the increase in commuters travelling into the city centre each morning by 2023, while facilitating the operation of Luas Cross City and enhancing the overall environment of the city centre for visitors, shoppers, residents and workers. The Study covers all modes of transport – walking, cycling, public transport, car – and it also considers how opportunities to improve the appearance of the city could be provided by reconfiguration of street space on certain streets.

Following its publication, there was a significant public consultation process on the Study over the course of the summer which generated very substantial interest from stakeholders.  I am advised by the NTA that along with DCC it is now engaging on an individual basis with some of the key stakeholders concerned before NTA and DCC report to DCC's Strategic Transport Policy Committee.

I welcome the comprehensive and positive engagement that is taking place on this important issue and I am assured that all key stakeholders are being given the opportunity to have their views and concerns known and understood.

Finally, I should add that integration measures continue to be progressed such as real time passenger information, the Leap card, the National Journey Planner and WiFi that are designed to encourage public transport use and reduce reliance on the private car.

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